Bayville proposals for apartments downtown upset residents

The Bayville mayor and board's proposals to allow apartment buildings in business districts has created an uproar that is expected to continue at a meeting next month.

Mayor Paul Rupp said the changes would revitalize blighted areas and attract young professionals. Opponents said apartment buildings would change the character of the village, create traffic and strain resources.

"The objective is to try to bring more people into town so they stay and spend," Rupp said. "We're just trying to get rid of the eyesores."

A third amendment would shorten the minimum space between commercial buildings and residences to 50 feet from 250 feet.

Francis Bates, 67, a retiree formerly involved in sales, said the changes would lead to development that would strain the water system and schools. Bates wants the issue to be decided by referendum. "It should go for a vote before the people," Bates said.

Rupp said Friday he expected the board to vote Monday on the changes, but Sunday announced the vote would be postponed until next month.

Board member Harry Pinkerton III said opponents failed to understand that the seasonal economics of a destination like Bayville don't support more storefront businesses. "Retail has not worked in this village," Pinkerton said.

He also said fears of large-scale development were overblown because apartment buildings would still require special-use permits and board approval.

Rupp said young professionals are leaving Long Island because they can't afford it and that these proposals could help. "This might be an opportunity for young people to live in Bayville," Rupp said.

Ted Phillips covers the Town of Oyster Bay and has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011. Over his career he has covered state government in Albany, municipal finance, local government, crime, economic development and armed conflict.